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Kinematic and electromyographic changes during 200 m front crawl at race pace.
P Figueiredo1, R Sanders, T Gorski
1Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. spafg@vodafone.pt
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 21, 2012
Summary
Fatigue in elite swimmers during maximal 200m front crawl alters swimming biomechanics and muscle activation. Kinematic parameters decrease, while specific upper limb muscle activity increases, indicating physiological changes during intense swimming.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Elite swimmers face significant physiological demands during maximal effort races.
- Understanding fatigue mechanisms is crucial for optimizing training and performance in competitive swimming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) changes during a maximal 200m front crawl at race pace.
- To investigate the impact of fatigue on stroke parameters and muscle activation patterns in international level swimmers.
Main Methods:
- Ten international male swimmers performed a 200m maximal front crawl test.
- Kinematic data were captured using underwater and above-water cameras, alongside EMG analysis of seven key muscles.
- Blood lactate levels were measured pre- and post-test.
Main Results:
- Kinematic parameters generally decreased, with increased duration in entry/pull phases and decreased recovery phase duration.
- Significant increases in EMG activity were observed for flexor carpi radialis, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, pectoralis major, and upper trapezius.
- Post-test blood lactate concentrations significantly increased, indicating physiological exertion.
Conclusions:
- Maximal front crawl swimming induces fatigue, evidenced by altered kinematic variables and selective muscle activation changes.
- Fatigue impacts stroke mechanics and requires greater activation of specific upper limb muscles to maintain performance.
- Findings provide insights into the physiological and biomechanical responses to intense swimming efforts.
